Moorefield area resident, Donna Hirtle, can add another accomplishment to her growing resume.
With education and work experience in advertising and graphic design, Hirtle, was approached by Glynis Belec of Angel Hope Publishing, Drayton to illustrate a children’s book. She accepted the challenge and was chosen to illustrate Duke’s Doo-Wop, an inspirational story of a homeless ferret written by Rowena Lovell of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Based on a true story, Duke learns what it’s like to feel unconditional love when he is taken into a home by a caring woman. His experiences in the home are much different than those on the street and he finds himself in trouble on many occasions. Despite the troubles, Duke manages to forge a special bond with his new owner.
“Acquiring a ferret, especially an unplanned one, came with a huge learning curve. As I cared for Duke, the Lord would reveal things to me about His love and care for me. I wanted children to enjoy Duke’s antics as much as I have and also for children to learn about God’s love for them,” Lovell said. “Donna was an absolute joy to work with. Her illustrations really brought Duke’s true character out in the book.”
By including sketches of the scenarios Duke’s curiosity places him in, readers are brought to understand that having a ferret as a pet can bring an interesting twist into a person’s life.
From an encounter with a skunk to the consequences of raiding the kitchen cupboards, Duke’s days are filled with new and challenging experiences.
“This is the first time I have illustrated a book of this scale. In the past, the illustrations I did were more for advertising than books. It was a learning process for me but I enjoyed dipping my toes in the water and trying something new,” Hirtle said.
Books are available locally at Studio Factor in Drayton or by contacting Angel Hope Publishing at www.glynisbelec.com.
